Hi, Reader!

Greetings from snow-covered Houston! I tell you, I was like a kid on Christmas Eve last night — I was so excited for the snow that I found it hard to sleep! I woke up several times overnight and even went outside around 3 a.m. just to enjoy the peacefulness of the snowfall.

My dog, however, is less than thrilled about the whole thing and finds the snow very suspicious.

Today’s snow day is giving me the chance to take it easy, enjoy this rare snowfall, and catch up on some things. With most deadlines for students now in the past, I’m enjoying catching up on my to-do list as well as reading some good books.

One other thing I’m doing, obviously, is emailing y’all. I’ve got this great list of things high school students could (and should) be doing this month and next to prepare for college and college applications, and I wanted to get it out to you pronto. Whether you’re a freshman or a senior (or somewhere in between), you’re bound to find a good tip or two here!

9th-graders

• ​College App & Admissions Timeline: This timeline and set of resources track the college search and application process from 9th through 12th grade.
• ​5 Ways to Spend Your High School Summer: Think about your summer in the context of how your choices can help you to lead a happier life (really!).
• ​Activity Log: Remember to update your spreadsheet at the start of each new semester.
• ​Micro-Scholarships: It’s never too early to start thinking about how to pay for college. Begin building your RaiseMe profile now.

10th-graders

• ​College App & Admissions Timeline: This timeline and set of resources track the college search and application process from 10th through 12th grade.
• If you are going on a family vacation or heading to purposely look at some colleges, read this: College Visits​
• ​80 Extracurricular Activity Examples: Wondering what other students listed on their applications? These examples may inspire you.
• ​Activity Log: Remember to update your log so you don’t forget what you’ve done. And this is a great time to inventory your extracurricular activities. Where do you want to deepen your involvement? And what do you want to let go of?
• ​5 Ways to Spend Your High School Summer: Think about your summer in the context of how your choices can help you to lead a happier life (really!).

11th-graders

• ​College App & Admissions Timeline: This timeline and set of resources track the college search and application process for 11th and 12th grade.
• Get registered for the SAT and/or ACT test during the second semester. Here are some free or low-cost test prep options: Khan Academy’s free test prep and low-cost test-prep available from the ACT.
• If you are eligible, ask your counselor for an SAT or ACT fee waiver.
• ​How to Create a College List (With Spreadsheet Tracker): If you haven’t already, begin to create your list with this guide.
• Identify high-value colleges: As you work on developing your college list, identify schools that’ll meet 100% of your financial need, institutions with generous merit-aid programs, and regional tuition agreements like WUE.
• ​Essential Advice for Low-Income/First-Gen Students: Get key tips and resources, including learning about the chance to visit college campuses for free.
• ​AP Practice Resources: If you’re taking AP exams in May, here’s how to prep.

12th-graders

• ​College App & Admissions Timeline: This timeline and set of resources track the college search and application process for 12th grade.
• If applying ED2 or RD, be sure to get your applications in on time (deadlines vary by school).
• If deferred, be sure to follow directions from the college. Send in a LOCI to reaffirm your interest in the school by mid-February. Letter of Continued Interest Blog.
• ​What to Do When Your College Application is Deferred.
• Ask your counselor to send any mid-year reports required by your colleges.

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Thanks to all of you who joined my free 5-day mini resume course last week. With summer just around the corner, now really is the perfect time to get that resume created (or polished)!

And one last thanks for sharing your inbox space with me each week. I really do appreciate it.

Now, I’m off to build a snowman!

Happy Writing!

Julia

julia@essay-coach.com | ​View My Resources | Join My Free Facebook Group | Visit My Amazon Storefront​

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